novelxo Chapter 360
His voice was calm, like a still lake, without a hint of emotional turmoil.
"Diana, why are you letting the world's opinions get to you? From the start, I've told you, I'll always just be your Uncle Connor. Don't entertain any other fantasies. Have you forgotten?" Diana hadn't forgotten. When she was eighteen, she tried to confess her feelings. That's when Connor had said those words to her.
However, everyone outside said she was the only one who mattered to Connor. The more they talked, the more she believed it. Or maybe, she just really wanted it to be true.
Diana's arms fell to her sides, her head drooped, and tears flowed uncontrollably.
Connor continued, "I've watched you grow up. In you, I see shades of my younger self. I protect you because I want you to become independent, maybe even surpass Claire's achievements, not to get entangled in this so-called romance. You have your own mission, for yourself and your family. I can't protect you forever."
Diana could barely listen anymore. "Uncle Connor, are you rejecting me because of Chloe?"
Connor's eyes turned cold for a moment.
The air felt like it had frozen.
Diana looked up at him, her dark eyes brimming with tears. "I know what Eve said is true. Chloe was your girlfriend in Riverbrook, but you two broke up. Why can't you accept me, Uncle Connor? I like you so much. I'd do anything for you."
"Diana!" Connor's voice grew stern, "I could never like you. I could never like anyone else."
Anyone else? Was she just anyone to him?
Disappointment filled Diana's eyes, and a forced smile appeared on her tear-streaked face. "You still like Chloe, don't you?"
"Yes!" Connor's answer was firm, "If I were to have a wife in the future, it would definitely be her, and only her."
"And what if Chloe loves someone else?"
Diana could tell, Chloe wasn't that into Connor, even showing disdain and indifference. She didn't know why they broke up. But now, Pax was also pursuing her. Chloemight not want to look back.
Connor's answer was equally firm, "Then I would live alone, in solitude, till the end."
Diana hadn't expected such an answer from Connor.
Seeing him had given her a glimmer of hope. Now, all hope seemed to have turned to ashes.
Diana bit her lip and said, "I understand, Uncle Connor." And then she walked away.
Watching Diana's retreating figure, Connor let out a heavy sigh. His heart felt a bit troubled.
As he looked up, he suddenly saw a figure on the third floor.
It was Chloe.
ovel!
Chloe was standing on the balcony, leaning out, her ear tilted to the side. She looked like she was eavesdropping out of sheer curiosity.
Chloe hadn't heard anything; the wind was too strong tonight, and they were too far apart.
But she could guess. Judging by the situation, Diana was talking about her feelings to Connor.
It seemed Connor hadn't accepted them. If he had, the two would've been in each other's arms by now.
As she pulled back, she glanced down and saw Connor looking up at her.
Chloe felt a fleeting moment of guilt, but she still pretended as if nothing happened. She picked up the wine glass beside her, mechanically turned around, and entered her room.
Less than three minutes later, she heard a series of loud knocks at the door.